McWay Waterfall Trail

It’s definitely worth a visit during your PCH drive. It’s a short trail, you will probably need about 30−45min for this stop, leisurely do the trail and take photos
The view at the end of the trail is amazing.

wow i really like this place beautiful like a little island if you around the area or driving by i recommend to stop here.

Oh so pretty!!!
You don’t even need to walk far to see this gorgeous, untouched view!!!
If you’re in the area, park your car on the road side, and walk over – about .5 miles from the road side!
Across the street, there are a few hiking trails – check it out :)

Incredibly easy trail with a clear marked entrance from inside the park or you can start in the middle of the trail by walking from the 1 directly onto the trail. Neither route is suggested over the other, unless you want to walk through the tunnel which is really not that exciting. Anyways, going to the north the trail has fabulous views of a cove and the waterfall along the entirety of the trail. At the end, there is a must see view of the coast looking north. Also, there are ruins of a house that are also not too exciting but you might as well go see them as you look at the beautiful coast. Going back towards the trailhead, there is an optional trail that goes on the other side of the falls, but it dead ends at a campsite and you have no good views from the trail. I however hopped off the trail and climbed a rock/​pine looking tree to see a great view. I cannot suggest doing this because it is kinda dangerous and probably against park rules… But it was awesome.

My friends and I had driven up to Big Sur from LA to do a three day backpacking trip to Sykes Hot springs and arrived at McWay Falls just as the sun began to rise. Nothing like watching the waves break on a sandy beach complete with sea cliffs and a water fall to start your day.

Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the Overlook Waterfall Trail for McWay Falls is a must-​see scenic stop along Highway One/​the Big Sur Coast. The waterfall is simply stunning and breathtaking with 80ft of water dropping onto secluded beach over a mysterious cove. The trail is well maintained, clearly marked, and easy for everyone of any age.
Distance: 0.6 mile
Elevation change: ~100 ft
From the parking lot, follow the sign to Overlook Waterfall Trail. You’ll go down on some wooden steps and reach a tunnel. After you exit the tunnel, you will be awarded a gorgeous view of the waterfall.
Most visitors observe the falls along the trail, taking pictures along the way. The most scenic part is at the end where there are several panels explaining the history of the fall and nearby estate that was donated to the park. Some people try to go down to the beach area, which is blocked off and dangerous with possibility of citation.

One of my college professors told me about this spot he saw from his sailboat one afternoon and told me if I ever made it out that way to check it out. He told me how to Hike down to the base of the falls and get behind the falls. Amazing, but I would not recommend to most people as it is now illegal and a little sketchy at times. Most Beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen.

Great view. The trail isn’t much of one; it’s over in less than 5 minutes. It’s really a stroll. The view is gorgeous, however. The only beach access down below seems to be if you kayak in.